Hi all,
I just wanted to share - and update to those who’ve been following for longer - my latest 6 monthly scan results.
The quick summary: I’ve been a Stage 4 patient since 2017, with small lesions appearing in my lung after a primary on my neck in 2015. I also had a left neck dissection and a parotidectomy in Dec 15 after it spread to a lymph node.
I had 2.5 years of successful targeted therapy (DAB Tram) before a recurrence in Feb 2020 in both lungs. Started on dual immunotherapy (Ipi & Nivo) in March 20 but had to convert to just Nivo after one infusion due to COVID & side effects. Tolerated 3 more Nivo infusions but stopped in June 20 due to stomach inflammation after a scan showed I was responding to the treatment.
June 20 scan showed lesions shrinking.
Aug 20 scan showed only traces remaining.
Feb 21 showed complete response.
Aug 21 shows continued complete response.
Sharing the news to encourage those on other stages of this often harrowing journey. It can be very distressing but these new treatments can be incredibly effective.
I’m by no means in the clear. It feels like a half way point, as my oncologist has the 3 year mark as the point where the chances of recurrence reduce even further. But it’s as good as it can be at this stage.
Despite the good news I still have to manage the anxiety, with the odd sense of being slightly adrift after being pushed out to 6 monthly scans. My oncologist was chipper: she said I’ve clearly had a strong response and that “there’s plenty more immunotherapy” if I need it in the future.
I can get support from my Melanoma nurse if I need it but get the definite feeling that I’m now much further down the priority list. That’s both encouraging, because they clearly see my risk status reducing, but also a little unsettling after being on this journey for so long.
The big learning is to only focus on what you can control. Compartmentalise when you can and get on with your life as best you can. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t brood - just ask your team. They can help you get the answers that this uncertainty inevitably brings.
Good luck everyone.
